Run, Walk or Wheel 100k in the 30 Days of June

WHY DONATE?

Breast cancer, when caught early, has the highest five-year net survival rate, of 85%, but is the most common cancer in women in Ireland.

Early detection is key and in previous years we’ve focused on researching a cure, this year we are going for put a section of funds to prevention, education and early detection programmes run by the Marie Keating Foundation.

Rebecca Boyle - Breast Cancer Survivor

I turned 40 in January '22. Acutely aware that ageing is a privilege denied to so many, my own Dad died from Cancer aged 39. I was determined to live life to the fullest, with lots of trips and holidays planned. These plans came to an abrupt halt on June 28th '22 when my Consultant handed me a booklet entitled 'Understanding Breast Cancer' and informed me that I had Stage 2, Grade 3, Triple Positive Breast Cancer and it had spread to my lymph nodes. This came as a tremendous shock. A month later I had surgery to remove part of my breast and 23 lymph nodes. When I was informed I would be off work for at least 6 months, I nievely wondered how I would occupy my time. Well 21 weeks of Chemotherapy, followed by 20 sessions of Radiotherapy and three weekly Herceptin has kept me busy... 

Whilst undergoing Chemotherapy I went for Genetic Testing to see if there was a genetic reason for my cancer. I come from a small family with no history of Breast Cancer so I was very optimistic that there was no genetic reason behind my diagnosis. On February 10th I discovered that I do  have the BRAC2 alteration! Again, this came as a shock. I need to learn to be more prepared!!